Leah Riband
Leah Riband (born Leah Rae Hyslop), aged 84, of Fort Washington, PA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother and friend to many, passed away on September 23, 2022 in Lafayette Hill.
Leah was born in Hammond, Indiana in 1938 and earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she met her late husband Herb Riband. During her nursing career, she held various positions that included working at St. Joseph’s Villa as well as Wissahickon Hospice. Prior to her retirement from nursing, Leah was employed by the state of Pennsylvania as a test administrator for the certification of nurses’ aides.
Leah had many interests and hobbies and was an active volunteer in multiple organizations. She was a Girl Scout leader who eventually oversaw all troops in Springfield Township. Leah was active in the Outdoor Gardeners’ Club in Chestnut Hill, created beautiful dried flower arrangements for exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show (including one that she was invited to bring to the White House), ran a doggy day camp, and started a school of traditional rug hooking that lasted 15 years. Leah joined St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Fort Washington where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and contributed to the community outreach and hospitality committees. Additionally, she was honored for 30 years’ worth of volunteer work for The Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington, where she served as president and vice-president in charge of garden restoration.
Leah took great pleasure in regular gatherings with family and friends, caring for pets, traveling around the world, scuba diving, gardening and baking. She is survived by her son Herb and wife Jeanine, her son Anthony and wife Lisa, her grandchildren Daniel and Michelle, and many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her husband Herb, daughter Rosemarie and brothers Bill and Dale.
A memorial service will be hosted virtually by St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00am Eastern time. If you would like to attend please use the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83392585275. For more information, see: http://www.craftfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to perform an act of kindness for a person in need or make a contribution to any altruistic charitable organization.
We met 1955 at St. Mary’s. Our rooms were adjacent to each other. Became close friends. Leah attended my wedding in 1961 in Chicago. I even remember when she met Herb. It didn’t take long to realize Cupid was in the air! I moved to Pa. when we married . At some point Leah and I decided to drive west to visit our folks. We each had two children. A lot of laughs ensued during those 6 or 700 miles. I also have vivid memories of a very delicious meal prepared by Mr Riband Sr.. I think it had an Italian name that meant Hunter’s Stew. We always kept in touch. In2009 we caught up again at our 50th reunion. Herb was over at ND at the same time. Leah and I were on the phone shortly before her fall. A few years later Herb called and we had a lengthy conversation.I loved Leah and will continue to pray for her. Mary S Murray